REVIEW: Priscilla Queen Of The Desert - Liverpool Empire

Monday 25th January was press night for Priscilla Queen of the Desert at Liverpool Empire Theatre. If glitz and glamour is what you were seeking, you were assured from the opening number that you had come to the right place. Directed by Simon Phillips, Priscilla the musical brings writer Stephan Elliott's creation to the stage.

Priscilla the film turned out to be one of the most successful Australian films of all time being awarded  an Academy award, BAFTA and AFI award - the latter for the magnificent costumes.
The audience are addressed by the compere as possums and encouraged to leave their Marge Simpson wigs on the floor so as not to impair the view of fellow theatre goers. The humour gets the audience psyched up for what is about to ensue.

The opening scene set in Downtown Sydney beautifully introduces the three divas suspended from the rafters to the audience. Performed by Lisa Marie-Holmes, Laura Mansell and Catherine Mort, the three glamorous ladies deliver exceptional vocals throughout the show.

Callum Macdonald who plays Miss Understanding introduced the audience to Sydney - the drag capital of the world. He then transformed into Tina Turner and delivered an outstanding performance of  "What's love got to do with it?" There was clearly no misunderstanding when it came to Macdonald's ability to wow the crowds with his stunning delivery.This exceptionally high standard continued throughout the show.

In the background as Miss Understanding performed, Jason Donovan took centre stage and coolly changed into a corset and full drag attire. He was poised and commanded the stage despite describing himself as "a drag queen on the verge of a nervous breakdown" It transpires that Jason who plays Tick and female counterpart Mitzi  is intent on making a voyage across the outback in a quest to meet his six year old son whose life he has been absent from. He is joined by two comrades Bernadette (Simon Green) and Felicia (Richard Astbury) The journey that follows in a bus affectionately called Priscilla involves jubilation, struggles, trials and tribulation, all which the audience feels a part of.

The costumes were plentiful and magnificent at that; overstated but beautifully crafted at the same time and worthy of their scale.

Neighbours references were quirky and not too heavily interspersed into the script.  There were subtle innuendos as well as more overt sexual references which clearly delighted the crowd as they laughed in appreciative response.

The orchestra were fantastic and the musical score amazing with songs for the audience to sing along to. The numbers spanned  the ages from the sixties to the noughties.

Donovan gave a fantastic performance throughout and I was particularly enamoured with Simon Green's charismatic performance as Bernadette. He was sophisticated and dignified and performed with grace and conviction that made him compelling to watch. Additionally, Adam Bailey who played the part of Felicia was endearing in his youthfulness and his energy was highly engaging. The trio complemented each other perfectly and the shenanigans that unravelled were enjoyable to watch as well as being highly convincing.

Adam Beaver who played Benji was adorable and the duet that he performed with his dad Donovon was fantastic. The duos' performance of "Always on my mind" was extremely touching and delivered with emotion. I just hope that his young ears were shielded back stage to prevent him from hearing the adult scenes that were played out just a few feet away from him on stage (I'm sure they were).

Philip Child's who played Bob was also fantastic, I was disappointed however with the portrayal of his wife Cynthia played by Julie Yammanee. I am not discrediting her ability at all as she was very talented . Her role as a mail order bride and the stereotypes that surrounded that made uncomfortable viewing for me.

The show is camp, it is exuberant, and it is in your face with it's cheese. However, the message that underpins the whole show is that of tolerance and exercising compassion to those who are different. Although the issue of homophobia is a huge part of the story line, it also covers the hatred that is unleashed on people who live their lives out of the mainstream and it is to be commended for this. Expect powerful imagery, expletives and scenes that may be uncomfortable to watch but more importantly as well as the humour, expect to be educated about the importance of compassion and acceptance of other people's choices.

Expect high quality vocals and delivery throughout and if you are near the front prepare to be called up on stage. Avoid being late as you may even get heckled by Miss Understanding. Prepare to be uplifted in this heart-warming show. The show is a hit, it's funny with it's adult humour, it's dazling and outrageous.  Leave your inhibitions at home and enjoy the ride.

Run Time: 2hr 20 mins
Age guidance - 15+
Priscilla Queen Of The Dessert runs at Livepool Empire until Saturday 30th Jan
Buy your tickets here